Ly Thi Ky and her son
In a dilapidated stilt house in Tri Le commune, Lang Son Province, 81-year-old Ly Thi Ky quietly lights a fire to prepare a simple meal for her 39-year-old son, Nong Van Tinh, who has been unable to walk for years due to a chronic illness.
Tinh was diagnosed with liver disease five years ago. The condition gradually worsened, causing facial and limb swelling and severe knee arthritis. Without adequate treatment, his legs became too weak to support him. He now spends his days crawling painfully around the house, relying entirely on his ageing mother for all daily needs.
The two survive on Ky's modest monthly government stipend of VND 500,000 (approximately USD 20) for the elderly and occasional corn and rice donations from Ky's daughter, who lives nearby.
Ky has five children, but most live far away and have not returned home in years. Her daughter, Nong Thi Em, is the only one who remains close and regularly visits. However, Em and her husband also struggle financially and are only able to provide food support when possible.
Their wooden stilt house, built over 30 years ago when Ky's husband was still alive, is in dangerously poor condition. The roof leaks during heavy rain and rotting floorboards sag underfoot, posing a serious safety hazard. During recent storms, strong winds tore away parts of the roof and surrounding bamboo walls.
Ky's house has badly deteriorated
Ky worries constantly that the house could collapse at any time. "If it does, I don't know where my son and I would go," she said, holding back tears. Her deepest wish is not for herself but for her son, that he may have food to eat and a solid roof over his head. "If I die tomorrow, I just want to know he has a safe place to stay," she added.
Her daughter Em shares her concern. "I can help with some manual labour, but we don't have any money to contribute," she said.
Recognising the family's critical situation, the local authorities have pledged VND 60 million (approximately USD 2,400) toward building a new house. The commune's poverty relief fund has added another VND 10 million (approximately USD 400). These are sums Ky says she never dreamed of receiving.
However, with the rising costs of construction materials and labour, VND 70 million is not enough to build a durable home. Ky appealed to Dantri Newspaper, hoping for help from kind-hearted readers.
Local officials have also called on donors and community members to ensure Ky and her son have a safe, stable home, one that offers dignity and peace in their twilight years.
If you can help, donate through:
Code 5647: Ly Thi Ky
Address: Pa Ha Village, Tri Le Commne, Lang Son Province
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